Stockholm

Gamla Stan, the birthplace of Stockholm, spans 4 islands and ranks among the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval historic centers in Europe. It's an essential place to visit during a trip to Stockholm. You can admire the city's oldest buildings: the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), the Cathedral (Storkyrka), and the Swedish Parliament.

Also on your Stockholm itinerary: attending the changing of the guard (as impressive as in London); wandering the winding alleys and discovering magnificent small squares with cafés (like Stortorget Square, the city's oldest). Also explore the colorful houses with facades typical of Sweden. Take a walk through Norrmalm, the city's business district, which brings together shops, hotels, and restaurants. The architecture of this district is also worth seeing! For shopping enthusiasts, don't miss the pedestrian street Drottninggatan. You'll discover essential Swedish brands (H&M...), as well as design boutiques offering typical products from the country. Finally, take advantage of your trip to cross the two famous Sergels Torg and Hötorget squares, magnificent both day and night.

• Gamla Stan (Old Town): behind this name lies the literal translation of "old town," designating Stockholm's historic and geographic heart. This medieval center with narrow, winding cobblestone streets is among the best preserved in Europe. Its ochre and red facades, Stortorget square with colorful houses, and the Royal Palace make it an enchanting district. Don't miss Storkyrkan Cathedral and Swedish craft shops nestled in secret passages.
• The Vasa Museum: this exceptional maritime museum houses the world's only preserved 17th-century vessel. The Vasa, a warship that sank during its maiden voyage in 1628, was raised intact after 333 years underwater. The modern building constructed around the ship allows visitors to admire this architectural feat from all angles.
• Djurgården: this green island-park constitutes Stockholm's cultural lung. An eastern district of the capital, it houses several major museums including Skansen, the world's first open-air museum presenting traditional Swedish housing, and the ABBA museum for Swedish pop fans. Its gardens and waterfront promenades offer a natural escape just steps from the center.
• City Hall (Stadshuset): this iconic red brick building overlooks Lake Mälaren with its 106-meter tower. Its romantic national architecture impresses, as does the Golden Hall adorned with 18 million mosaic tesserae (glass and gold). The annual Nobel Prize banquet is held here, making this venue a symbol of international prestige.
• Fotografiska: housed in a former customs warehouse, this private contemporary photography museum ranks among the world's most innovative. Its internationally renowned temporary exhibitions, café-restaurant with panoramic waterfront views, and creative atmosphere make it an essential destination for visual art lovers.

• Kayaking through the archipelago: Stockholm extends across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, but the archipelago actually contains over 30,000 islets and reefs. Rent a kayak to explore these calm waters, discover wild coves and deserted islands accessible only by sea. Some excursions even offer camping on isolated islands for a night under the midnight sun in summer.

• Stockholm's metro, the world's longest art gallery: transform your commute into a cultural visit by exploring the Tunnelbana stations. More than 90 of the 100 stations feature artworks: sculptures, mosaics, cave paintings, and light installations. T-Centralen station with its blue caves and Kungsträdgården with its archaeological remains are particularly worth visiting.

   

• Köttbullar: these Swedish meatballs, a mixture of beef and pork, are served with a creamy sauce, tangy lingonberry jam, and mashed potatoes. The national dish par excellence, they embody Swedish comfort food and can be enjoyed in both gourmet restaurants and at the Östermalms Saluhall covered market.
• Gravlax: this raw salmon marinated in salt, sugar, and dill represents a Scandinavian cuisine classic. Thinly sliced, it's enjoyed on rye bread with a mustard and dill sauce (gravlaxsås). This ancestral method of fish preservation reflects the Swedes' deep connection with the sea.
• Kanelbulle: this cinnamon roll, less sweet than its American counterpart, perfectly accompanies fika, the sacred Swedish coffee break. Soft and flavored with cardamom, sprinkled with pearl sugar, it's ideally enjoyed warm in one of the city's many traditional pastry shops.
• Skagen toast: this refined starter combines fresh Nordic shrimp, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, dill, and fish roe, all served on toasted bread. Created in the 1950s, this elegant dish symbolizes contemporary Swedish gastronomy and features on the menu of all the capital's seafood restaurants.